Ringless Honey Fungus

Ringless Honey Fungus Armillaria tabescens (Scop.) Emel (illustrated 40% life size) Cap 4–8cm across, convex then expanded and irregular; ochre-brown, with darker, cottony scales. Stem 50–80×8–12mm, tapering towards the base; pale ochre-brown; without a ring. Flesh whitish; taste astringent, smell strong. Gills whitish, soon becoming pinkish-brown. Spores 8–10×5–7¼. Spore print pale cream. Habitat in clusters on stumps or roots, especially of oak; late summer to early autumn. Occasional. Edible when cooked. Note this fungus can be distinguished quite readily from A. mellea by the absence of the ring.